ASU president wants return to ‘Soul Bowl; Appoints committee to study withdrawing from Capital City Classic

LORMAN, MS — In response to recent media reports concerning Alcorn State University’s future involvement with the Capital City Classic, Dr. M. Christopher Brown II, 18th president of Alcorn, announced the following in a campus staff meeting:

“Recently, at our alumni’s annual mid-winter conference, in Chicago, I was approached by a number of alums with strong concerns about the past and future of the Capital City Classic. Many expressed a strong interest in the idea of returning the annual football contest between Alcorn State and Jackson State back to each school’s respective football stadiums in the game that was fondly known as the ‘Soul Bowl’. I am strongly considering and am in favor of this option.”

According to Alcorn’s Chief of Staff Marcus Ward, “For 15 years, from 1993 to 2008, Alcorn State University and Jackson State University have participated in a spirited, football rivalry that was full of rich and colorful tradition and attracted crowds of 50-60,000 fans on an annual basis. The Capital City Classic is not simply a game – it has been a major economic event for the City of Jackson and the state of Mississippi. For the past three years, members of the Alcorn community have consistently expressed discontent with the Capital City Classic to us.”

President Brown stated, “The truth of the matter is that the Capital City Classic has not been the same over the last three years. The game has lost attendance; alumni and sponsors are losing interest; and quite frankly, the University has lost revenue. While there are other ancillary factors that are attributable to its decline, I have a fiduciary responsibility, as president, to steward our resources in the best interests of Mississippi’s taxpayers.”

Dr. Brown continued, “In an effort to address concerns, I am directing my Chief of Staff Marcus Ward to commission a blue ribbon committee to perform a comprehensive review of the history and future of the the Capital City Classic. The Committee will analyze the Classic thoroughly including the game and auxiliary events and will also develop and present a plan for a “Return to the Soul Bowl”. This Committee will report its findings to me within 90 days and I will then communicate Alcorn’s final position going forward.”

President Brown concluded by stating, “Let me say also, we appreciate and value our powerful partnership with our sister school Jackson State University. This matter, in no way, reflects upon our strong and unique history and relationship that goes beyond football. We look forward to working closely with President Meyers and her able staff to advance higher education and intercollegiate athletics in Mississippi and the nation.”

By ASU University Relations

Capital City Classic situation disturbs JSU's Gorden

In 1994, W.C. Gorden, then Jackson State's athletic director, helped start the Capital City Classic as a way to gain media attention and generate more revenue for the participants, Alcorn State and JSU.

So, when he opened his newspaper Saturday and saw this headline, "No more Capital City Classic?" the winningest football coach in JSU history shook his head. "I was very disappointed to hear that," he said Saturday afternoon from his home.

'Soul Bowl' might return

Emanuel Barnes had the perfect spot, seated several hundred feet above the football field, nestled behind the microphone in the Alcorn State University press box.

The school's long-time public address announcer watched a sophomore quarterback named Steve McNair find receiver Marcus Hinton for a game-winning touchdown that gave Alcorn a 42-35 victory over despised rival Jackson State University. Newly opened Jack Spinks Stadium exploded in celebration.

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50K Expected To Attend Capital City Classic - JSU vs. Alcorn State

JACKSON, Miss. -- More than 50,000 fans are expected to attend Saturday's Capital City Classic, which means that parking will be at a premium. Kickoff for the game, which pits Alcorn State University against Jackson State University, will be at 1 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium. But Jackson police are asking fans to show up at least two hours early. The stadium parking lot was already about half full Friday afternoon.

Alcorn looks to end season with win over rivals

LORMAN, MS — Alcorn State might not be playing for a SWAC East division championship today, but the Braves are playing for something almost as important — pride. The Braves will travel to Jackson to take on arch-rival Jackson State in the annual Capital City Classic at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. Kickoff will be at 1 p.m.

Even though both teams were eliminated from the division championship race last week, both teams will be looking for bragging rights in the annual SWAC showdown. Alcorn State head coach Earnest Collins said a victory over its rival is also important due to the recruiting ramifications.

Jackson State vs. Alcorn State

When: Today, 1 p.m.
Where: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium
Television: None
Radio: JSU Network (WHLA-95.5 FM, Jackson)

Records
Jackson State: 7-3, 5-3 SWAC
Alcorn State: 5-5, 4-4 SWAC

History
Last meeting: Alcorn State 14-7, 2009
All-time series: Jackson State leads 39-24-1

More Moreland likely in store for Jackson State fans

They've all been waiting for this — coaches, players, fans of Jackson State. They've been waiting for running back Alfred Moreland to go wild. They've been waiting for Moreland to show the stuff that made him a three-star recruit out of Georgia's Banneker High School. They've been waiting to see those juke and jive moves and that fearless running style that led to an early scholarship offer from Ole Miss.

"Moreland had a great high school career, and we just hadn't seen him touch upon that yet," JSU coach Rick Comegy said. "He just never broke out here." He's out now. The wait is over.

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Capital City Classic: Alcorn State 14, Jackson State 7

Braves defense dominates in Capital City Classic win

JACKSON, MS — When the Alcorn State Braves scored two quick touchdowns in the opening six minutes of the first quarter, most observers probably assumed their game against Jackson State Saturday would be a high-scoring one. However, the Alcorn State defense wound up being the story of the game, as the Braves did not score again after the quick 14 points. The Braves defense held the Tigers to negative 12 rushing yards on 38 attempts, and tallied eight tackles for a loss, en route to a 14-7 win in the Capital City Classic at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Jackson State managed only one touchdown, a 38-yard pass reception by Anthony Mayes with less than two minutes left before halftime. Braves head coach Earnest Collins said his team felt like it had something to prove in terms of its rushing defense. “It was a challenge for our defensive guys,” Collins said. “We’ve been getting the ball run on us for the last couple of weeks. I’m so thankful that the Lord blessed me to have a coordinator like Zach Shay, because his temperament is, he wants to go, go, go, go, go. I knew that, at some point in time, he would get these guys going again.”

PHOTO GALLERY: Jackson State - Alcorn State

Rutland gets final chance, can't deliver win

Tray Rutland's collegiate football career ended Saturday on the turf of Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Jackson State senior came off the bench in the first quarter but wasn't able to stop a 14-7 Alcorn State victory. The Capital City Classic, however, won't be the last time JSU fans can watch the strong-armed, 6-foot-3 lefty. Rutland plans to join the baseball team in the spring and pitch for coach Omar Johnson. In the meantime, Rutland will go down as one of the most talked about players since coach Rick Comegy took over the program. He was a highly-touted transfer out of Mississippi State but couldn't beat out Jimmy Oliver in 2007. He started most of 2008 and led JSU to a second consecutive SWAC Championship Game.

This season was supposed to be his time to shine, but he was benched in the first game and didn't return to the starting lineup until the fourth week. Inconsistency prompted his return to the bench in the seventh game against Mississippi Valley.

Collins, Braves add to Tigers' woe

Alcorn State coach Earnest Collins stood in the middle of the field at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, rain falling from the sky and chunks of ice resting on his head. As an announced 16,429 made their way out of building wet and cold, Collins wasn't bothered at all. Maybe that's because he had just been hit with a celebratory Gatorade shower and was being handed a trophy for a 14-7 win over Jackson State in the Capital City Classic, ending a two-year run by the Tigers. "I'm kind of at a loss for words," Collins said. "We started preparing for 2010 this week.



Attendance: 16,429@ Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, Jackson, MS

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Jackson State and Alcorn State still debating Capital City Classic

Jackson State president Ronald Mason Jr. said talks regarding the future of the Capital City Classic are ongoing. JSU and Alcorn State are discussing whether or not to change the current format of the game, in which a board appointed by the two presidents runs the event. The contract with the Capital City Classic board is up for renewal.

"It's a classic, but an unusual classic," Mason said. "A usual classic, you have a promoter that guarantees the schools a certain amount of money. Then they use the game to hold events and make money for themselves." Mason said the two schools usually bring in about $200,000 apiece from the game. Under the current setup, the two schools cover the expenses of the board and split the gate 50-50.

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MEAC/SWAC Rivalry Weekend, 11/17/07

Compiled by beepbeep

Florida Classic: Florida A&M University (3-7, 2-6 MEAC) vs. Bethune Cookman University (4-6, 2-6 MEAC) expects to attract 70,000 for this annual Orlando affair that will be televised on ESPN Classic at 3:00 p.m., today. FAMU leads the series 45-14-1 with Rattlers boss Rubin Carter holding a 2-0 mark over Alvin Wyatt Wildcats. The Rattlers will need to contain BCU running quarterback Jimmie Russell who has rushed for 762 yards/165 attempts and 12 TDs in the Wyattbone. Last week against Howard University, Russell could not be stopped and rushed 15 times for 141 yards and three touchdowns. Rattlers are giving up over 214 yards per game rushing and hasn't stopped anyone in two seasons, except BCU.

BCU has two standout NFL prospects on defense in LB Ronnie McCullough and FS Bobbie Williams, who lead the defense with 137 and 75 tackles, respectively. Williams is a shutdown free safety that will play against FAMU's best receiver, senior Willie Hayward. It doesn't matter! The Rattlers always find a way to win this game even with a red shirt freshmen quarterback (Eddie Battle), 3rd string freshmen offensive linemen and a defense plagued with injuries. Rattlers senior kicker/punter Wesley Taylor will be the difference maker in this game of two teams that need to recruit better athletes.

Capital City Classic: Jackson State University (6-4, 6-2 SWAC) vs. Alcorn State University (2-7, 2-6) is the Tigers last chance to win the east division title to play in the December 15 SWAC championship game against Grambling State University. Alcorn is playing for pride. JSU blew it last week at Prairie View, who has an opportunity to help JSU by beating the AAMU Bulldogs who are tied for first with the Tigers. A win by JSU puts them in the championship game.

Expect ASU Coach Johnny Thomas (48-60,11 years) to join fired Texas Southern Coach Steve Wilson (4-38, 4 years) on the sidelines after this game. Not only is Thomas record below par, but when you attract only 1,000 fans for ASU home date with MVSU and 2500 against division champion AAMU, the ASU fans are making a strong financial statement to the administration. The Braves total attendance for five home dates was 30,430 or 6,086 average attendance for the season. This is not rocket science--a change must come.

The Braves defense is solid, but can the offense score enough to keep up with Jackson State? Expect JSU seniors to go out as winners in an exciting game!

Howard University Bison (4-6, 2-5 MEAC) at FCS #10 ranked Delaware State University Hornets (9-1, 8-0 MEAC).

This game should be a tune-up for the MEAC champion Hornets for next week FCS playoff game, hopefully against University of Delaware Hens. Howard coach Carey Bailey believes in playing smash mouth football and the Bison team that beat MEAC second place Norfolk State in Norfolk, may just show up in Dover. If so, DSU will get what it expects to see in the FCS playoffs, a ball control, grind in out offense with a few conservative shots in the air when the receivers are open.

The Bison got smacked last week by a BCU ground attack that did not complete a pass in five attempts but amassed 420 yards rushing/4 touchdowns. Delaware State was able to come back in the fourth quarter and score 18 points on Norfolk State to take the game into overtime, and win the MEAC championship. Expect a tough game for the Hornets in containing Bison senior quarterback Brian Johnson (172 of 293 passes, 2,053 yards, 20 TDs, 8 interceptions; 126 carries, 439 yards, 4 TDs)and senior WR JARAHN WILLIAMS (53 receptions, 652 yards,14 TDs).

On defense, the Bison are led by senior All-American DE Rudy Hardie (38 solos, 20 assists, 22.5 tackles for losses, 10.0 sacks, 8 QB hurries, 2 forced fumbles). Delaware State need to win this game to keep their momentum going, but expect Hornets Coach Al Lavan to protect his starters as this game is basically meaningless. The Hornets are looking ahead to their first ever NCAA championship playoff game against a team that refuses to play them in football, University of Delaware. Howard stopped DSU from sharing the MEAC crown last year with a 20-17 victory in Washington, D.C. QB Vashon Winton, NFL prospects WR Shahee McBride, RB Kareem Jones and DB Akeem Green brings a lot of talent to the field. DSU should prevail in this contest with an undefeated season in the MEAC.

Winton Salem State University Rams (6-4, 5-3 MEAC) at Norfolk State University Spartans (7-3, 6-2 MEAC).

Norfolk State would like to close out this season with a win over provisional FCS division upstart WSSU. Both the Spartans and Rams have been the surprise of the league this season beating traditional powers Hampton and FAMU. WSSU took SCSU and DSU to the wire before losing late in the fourth quarter. Both have gained respectability and winning records for their programs.

Norfolk has the third leading rusher in the conference in senior Daryl Jones who has 235 rushes for 1097 yards (4.7 yds. carry) and 14 touchdown. This 250 bus is almost impossible to stop. Quarterback Casey Hansen is the third leading passer in the conference averaging over 189 yards per game passing.

Lowcountry Classic: North Carolina A&T Aggies (0-10, 0-7 MEAC) at South Carolina State University (6-4, 5-2 MEAC). The Aggies will remain a virgin for a second consecutive season at 0-11. But, there is always--Next Year! SCSU Coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough finishes with a disappointing 7-4 record in a year of high expectations of winning the MEAC, going to the FCS playoffs, playing Air Force and University of South Carolina competitively, all in the Bulldogs 100th year of college football. This talented class of Bulldogs will be remembered most for the seasons of under achievement. No titles, no playoff bids--just high fan expectations.

Bulldog senior quarterback Cleveland McCoy should closeout his SCSU career as the #1career leader in touchdowns and total yards. McCoy is three behind Michael Hicks' 52 in touchdowns and total yardage, he's 76 yards behind Marvin Marshall's 5,996 yards.
Not bad for a guy that wasn't recruited by the Division I schools as a quarterback.

Coach Pough is 6-0 life-time against North Carolina A&T. We lost patience with Aggies Coach Fobbs some time ago when the losing streak hit 12, but it has grown to an embarrassing 27 consecutive losses. Fobbs is a head coaching virgin at 0-21 overall, 0-15 MEAC in his 2nd season. Hopefully, someone will take our suggestion and schedule a Division II cupcake for next season opener to end the streak. The Aggie-nation deserves a winner, and Fobbs ain't delivered!

Aggie Pride however, is alive as North Carolina A&T is ranked #12 in NCAA home attendance (5 home games) in the entire FCS class, with a 14,245 average for the season. Norfolk State #6 (19,045) and Southern University #7 (18,913) are the only HBCUs ranked higher than the Aggies in home attendance. Outstanding for a school that hasn't tasted victory since 2005. Go Aggies!!!

Southern Illinois Salukis #5 ranked FCS(9-1, 5-1 Gateway) at Hampton University Pirates (6-4, 5-4 MEAC).

This was supposed to be Hampton Coach Joe Taylor signature game to catapult the Pirates into the FCS playoffs this season, but they got derailed by DSU, NSU, SCSU and WSSU for their highest number of conference losses in the past three years. The Salukis only loss came at the hands of Gateway conference champion and #1 ranked FCS Northern Iowa (10-0, 6-0) but SI will be in the FCS playoffs next weekend. This will be a good measuring stick for Hampton to see where they need to improve in the off-season to become FSC top echelon ranked and playoff successful. Great opportunity for Hampton to pull off a major upset.


University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions (3-7, 3-5) at Texas Southern Tigers (0-9, 0-8 SWAC)

The Tigers fired coach Steve Wilson last week after a 4-38 record in four years. Defensive coordinator DeChon Burns was named interim coach. Wilson also served this season as his own offensive coordinator. Former Washington Redskins LB Monte Coleman was elevated to defensive coordinator for TSU.

Wison had loss 11 consecutive games before his firing.

Arkansas-Pine Bluff coach Mo Forte is 20-22 in four years and went 8-4 in 2006, winning the West Division title and losing 22-13 to Alabama A&M in the SWAC championship game. The Pine Bluff Commercial is reporting that barring a change of heart by UAPB Chancellor Lawrence Davis or Athletic Director Skip Perkins, Forte final year of his contract ($120,000) will be bought out. Forte is expected to be fired on Monday.

Expect the Golden Lions to make this the third win in a row for Forte against a TSU team with no running game. Regardless, who is sitting in the head coaching position, the Texas Southern athletic programs are in a shambles due to the poor administrative leadership.

With the basketball coaching position having an interim head coach (after a national search), the former president Priscilla Slade firing and public court battle for misspending university funds and the Texas governor firing the TSU BOT, it may take years for TSU to recover. Football and basketball are not their top agenda item.

Expect the Golden Lions Forte to win this one for pride.

FCS #23 ranked Alabama A&M University Bulldogs (8-2, 6-2 SWAC) at Prairie View A&M University Panthers (6-3, 5-3 SWAC).

The Bulldogs have two scenerios riding on today's game with PVAMU. First, AAMU must win.

Secondly, if AAMU wins and Alcorn State upsets Jackson State in the Capital City Classic, the Bulldogs will win the Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division title and the Bulldogs last game will be next month against Grambling in the championship game. If A&M wins and Jackson State beats Alcorn State, the Bulldogs hope their 9-2 record will be good enough for an at-large berth in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

Prairie View is riding high after knocking out Jackson State last weekend to secure their first winning record in 31 years. The Panthers are playing well and don't expect them to scratch and crawl their way to the second place in the West behind Grambling University with a win, a half game in front of Southern University. Players and coaches read the press clippings, and that spread in USA Today this week was impressive on Prairie View success this season under Coach Henry Frazier III. The rebuilding job is just about completed and this will be a statement game for Frazier and the Panthers--not in our house!

Alabama A&M Kelsey Luke may be the difference maker for the Bulldogs. Luke holds virtually every Division I passing record in school history, including yards (6,538), completions (547), attempts (984), touchdowns (55). Luke also holds career marks for total offense (8,009) and touchdowns responsible for (73). If the Bulldogs win, it will be their third straight season with 9 win season under Coach Anthony Jones and Luke will have a 32-10 record for this career. This one will be a battle!


Mississippi Valley State University Delta Devils (2-8, 2-7 SWAC) at Savannah State University Tigers ( 1-8).

Mississippi Valley State coach Willie Totten is 24-41 in six seasons. The Delta Devils are not a good team, but neither in SSU in any stretch of the imagination. Watching a good high school playoff game may be more entertaining than seeing the Delta Devils and the Tigers. But watching the Delta Devils Marching Band perform is worth the price of the football ticket.


University of Tennessee - Martin ( 3-7, 3-4 OVC) at Tennessee State University ( 5-5, 4-2)

TSU Tigers have an opportunity to end the season with a winning record and 3rd place in the Ohio Valley Conference. UTM defense is suspect giving up over 30 points an outing which should give the Tigers opportunity to score on the ground and in the air. TSU should be motivated to earn a winning season.